As another bout of freezing temperatures grips a large swath of the southern U.S., the weather continues to wreak havoc on the airline industry and, in two tragic cases, take lives.
Icy conditions on roads are to blame for an increase in car accidents from Texas to West Virginia, according to authorities. Two people have died so far as a result of vehicle collisions due to slick driving surfaces.
Authorities in Austin are urging caution, both in traveling and in warming your personal space, revealing that even the city’s fire trucks have fallen victim to the dangerous driving conditions.
“Since midnight, we’ve responded to 90-plus accidents, including three with our own units,” the Austin Fire Department tweeted.
“There were also two fires this morning, both caused by space heaters,” the tweet continues. “Please, STAY HOME AND OFF THE ROADS. Give space heaters plenty of space, never use your oven to stay warm, and keep generators outside.”
Additionally, 1,600 flights have been cancelled due to the freezing weather, and thousands of residents have experienced power outages.
The icy blast is expected to last at least until Thursday.
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